Business positive about RFID

Although RFID has yet to deliver benefits to many companies` internal operations, an Aberdeen Group report shows a majority of executives believe RFID deployments will eventually pay off.

The RFID Journal reports that the Boston-based Aberdeen Group interviewed senior managers at nearly 250 companies from around the world and found that while 52% say RFID has yet to deliver real benefits, almost 60% of believe the technology has great potential for their companies.

More than half of the respondents said RFID`s biggest obstacle is the inability to get a return on investment. Companies are also waiting for RFID products, particularly middleware, to evolve and improve before committing to long-term projects.

Geeks are starting to implant RFID chips under their skin to enable interaction with various devices, such as security doors, reports The Inquirer

Information about RFID tag implants is available from the Tagged Forum, such as where to buy tags and readers. In addition to finding out applications for personal RFID implants, enthusiasts of the technology can chat and share information.

The coroner of Mississippi`s Harrison County solved the problem of keeping track of the bodies of victims` of last year`s hurricane Katrina by turning to RFID technology. Hargrove used chips developed for human RFID systems already being used in hospitals to track live patients.

News.Com says Gary Hargrove began injecting RFID chips into cadavers to cope with the mounting body count and to help identify and return storm victims to their families without mix-ups.

The chip`s makers are pitching the systems to businesses as a more secure authentication technology than ID badges and cards, but human implantation is still controversial. Some critics are concerned about potential civil liberties violations while other are opposed on religious grounds.

Advances in RFID have made the technology more useful to food processors in tracing and tracking their products and an increasing number of retailers are pushing their suppliers to adopt RFID, reports Food Production Daily

The advances include longer range password protected tags, ones that are tolerant to high-temperature and sterilisation, and devices that work well with substances such as metals and liquids.

However, industry experts say the relatively high cost of the technology and the difficulties in making the switch has held back many companies from introducing RFID in their plants and supply chains.

RFID is a rapidly maturing market according to a report compiled by research and analysis firm, RJ&S.

According to a PR Web release, the study says that the market is moving forward steadily and seems to be gathering momentum.

The study found many RFID applications are becoming drivers of adoption, and that retail use is showing positive results when mandated.